Career Fair 2016 gave students the chance to network with local businesses and to possibly start their careers in the fields that they are studying in classes.
The Lion's Roar/Jonathan Rhodes
Students had to put on their suit and tie for the annual 2016 Career Fair. Businesses talked to students about their interests and what they want to do as a career.
Career Fair took place in the Pennington on Thursday, Sept. 15 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. President John L. Crain greeted employers as they talked with students about potential jobs.
“It appears to be going quite well,” said Crain. “Lots of potential employers here and lots of students talking with them. From what I hear from both sides, things have gone very well.”
Students came to the Career Fair in between classes carrying their résumés and seeking a job in their field. 138 booths were set up with businesses for nearly all majors.
“The students have been dressed very professionally,” said Amber Blazier of the General Health System in Baton Rouge’s General Medical Center. “Everyone’s been really nice. They seem to actually come up to the table and know what they want to discuss right away. There hasn’t been a lot of them coming up and being confused, so they actually seem very prepared today.”
A lot of the recruiters for the businesses were former students who got their job because of Career Fair.
“This is actually my first time participating in Career Fair as an employer,” said Chase Ruiz of Hannis T. Bourgeois LLP. “I participated in Career Fair as a student the year prior. I know what the student’s expectations are and maybe some of the anxiety they’re feeling. So I do my best to try and help alleviate that and see if they fit best with our firm.”
Career Fair is not just for senior students. Businesses looked to help young undergraduates to start the career they want while they are in school.
“What I do for everyone is first find out their major and then I let them know what opportunities we have for students while they are in school,” said Blazier. “If they want to go the healthcare route but they haven’t graduated yet, I tell them all of the jobs we have for students right now in school.”
Career Fair has been around for a long time. Local businesses have always benefited from networking with the students and vice versa.
“As long as I can remember, we have done Career Fair,” said President Crain. “I’ve been here for thirty years. I’m not sure if we’ve done it the whole thirty years, but we have done it for many years.”